array, gullibility, epistemology, nadir, usurer: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Word Master set 45. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. array · noun/əˈreɪ/

   an orderly arrangement of items or elements in a structured format

   The student presented an array of colors in her art project.

   Synonyms: collection, arrangement, display

   Origin: Middle English, from Old French 'arrey' meaning 'to arrange' and Latin 'adrogare' meaning 'to set in order'

2. gullibility · noun/naɪˈiːvəti/

   the quality of being easily deceived or tricked

   His gullibility made it easy for others to trick him with fake stories.

   Synonyms: naivety, credulity, foolishness

   Origin: From Middle French 'naïf', meaning 'natural, innocent', from Latin 'nativus' meaning 'native'.

3. epistemology · noun/ɪˌpɛstəˈmɑlədʒi/

   the study of knowledge and justified belief

   In school, we learned about epistemology and how it helps us understand what we know.

   Synonyms: knowledge theory, theory of knowledge, philosophy of knowledge

   Origin: from Greek 'epistēmē' meaning 'knowledge', and 'logia' meaning 'study' or 'theory'

4. nadir · noun/ˈneɪ.dɪr/

   the lowest point or lowest condition of something

   After losing his job and facing many problems, he felt he had reached the nadir of his life.

   Synonyms: lowest point, rock bottom, bottom

   Origin: from Arabic 'naḍīr' meaning 'lowest point'

5. usurer · noun/ˈjuːʒər/

   a person who lends money at unreasonably high interest rates

   The usurer charged people so much interest that they could never pay back their loans.

   Synonyms: moneylender, loan shark, creditor

   Origin: from Old French 'usura', from Latin 'usura', meaning 'interest' or 'use' (of money)